What is Irn Bru Xtra, and How Does It Compare?

Launched in 2016, Irn Bru Xtra was developed in response to the growing consumer demand for low and zero-sugar soft drink options. This carbonated beverage promises the bold and unique taste of the original Irn Bru but with no sugar and fewer calories.

Quick Summary

Irn Bru Xtra is a no-sugar, low-calorie version of the popular Scottish soft drink, offering a similar bold flavor profile to the full-sugar original. It was introduced to meet the demand for healthier beverage choices and uses artificial sweeteners to achieve its taste without the calories.

Key Points

• Zero Sugar Formulation: Irn Bru Xtra was launched in 2016 as a zero-sugar, low-calorie alternative to the classic Irn Bru.

• Enhanced Flavour: Unlike the standard 'Sugar Free' variant, Xtra was specifically designed to offer an 'extra' phenomenal taste that is more comparable to the full-sugar recipe.

• Nutritionally Light: A 330ml can of Irn Bru Xtra contains only about 3 kcal and 0g of sugar, making it a very low-calorie soft drink.

• Key Sweeteners: The sweetness in Irn Bru Xtra comes from artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame and Acesulfame K.

• Iconic Ingredients: The distinct, secret Irn Bru flavour is maintained with its signature ingredients, including caffeine, ammonium ferric citrate, and quinine.

• Response to Sugar Tax: Its development was a direct response to a growing market for healthier options and the impending UK sugar tax.

The Origins and Purpose of Irn Bru Xtra

Irn Bru Xtra, a product of Scottish beverage company A.G. Barr, was introduced in 2016 as a zero-sugar option. This launch was partly a strategic move in anticipation of the UK sugar tax implemented in 2018, which aimed to reduce sugar in soft drinks. Xtra offered consumers a distinct choice compared to the standard Irn Bru Sugar Free, aiming for an "extra" phenomenal taste closer to the classic full-sugar version. It utilizes artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and Acesulfame K to replicate Irn Bru's unique flavour without the sugar.

Key Ingredients and Nutritional Profile

While the original Irn Bru recipe is secret, Irn Bru Xtra's ingredients are public. It primarily contains carbonated water, citric acid, flavourings, sweeteners, and preservatives. Key components include caffeine, ammonium ferric citrate, and quinine for flavour, and Aspartame and Acesulfame K for zero-calorie sweetness. Its orange colour comes from Sunset Yellow FCF and Ponceau 4R. Nutritionally, a 330ml can has only about 3 kcal and no sugar, making it significantly lower in calories than the original.

Irn Bru Xtra vs. Other Irn Bru Variants

The Irn Bru range offers several options. Here's a comparison:

Feature	Irn Bru Xtra	Irn Bru Sugar Free	Original Irn Bru	Irn Bru 1901
Sugar Content	No Sugar	No Sugar	Reduced Sugar	Full Sugar
Taste Profile	Closer to original full-sugar.	Standard sugar-free.	Classic flavour (post-2018 reduction).	Original 1901 recipe flavour.
Calories (per 330ml)	Approx. 3 kcal	Approx. 3 kcal	Approx. 62 kcal (pre-2018)	Highest calorie count.
Introduction Year	2016	Relaunched 2011	1901	2019/2021

The Impact of Irn Bru Xtra's Introduction

Irn Bru Xtra successfully targeted consumers seeking a bold, zero-sugar drink, complementing the existing 'Sugar Free' option. Its success reflects the beverage industry's move towards healthier choices and maintaining flavour while reducing sugar. This innovation has helped A.G. Barr remain a dominant player, particularly in Scotland.

Conclusion

Irn Bru Xtra is A.G. Barr's zero-sugar, low-calorie soft drink, launched in 2016 to meet demand for healthier options without compromising the signature Irn Bru taste. By using artificial sweeteners, it aims to replicate the original's flavour more closely than the standard sugar-free version. Its introduction highlights the brand's adaptation to market trends and regulations, solidifying its place as a popular choice for those seeking a low-calorie alternative. For further information on A.G. Barr, their official website can be visited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Irn Bru Xtra the same as regular Irn Bru?

No, Irn Bru Xtra is not the same as regular Irn Bru. Xtra is a zero-sugar, low-calorie version that uses artificial sweeteners, while the traditional Irn Bru contains a reduced amount of sugar.

Is Irn Bru Xtra sugar-free?

Yes, Irn Bru Xtra is explicitly marketed as having "no sugar" and being "sugar free".

How many calories are in Irn Bru Xtra?

A 330ml can of Irn Bru Xtra contains approximately 3 calories (or 4kJ per 100ml).

What is the difference between Irn Bru Xtra and Irn Bru Sugar Free?

Irn Bru Xtra was launched to provide a taste closer to the original full-sugar version than the pre-existing Irn Bru Sugar Free, which some perceived as having a less robust flavour.

Does Irn Bru Xtra contain caffeine?

Yes, Irn Bru Xtra contains a small amount of caffeine as part of its flavourings. The caffeine level is similar to that found in regular Irn Bru and is relatively low compared to coffee or tea.

What does Irn Bru Xtra taste like?

Irn Bru Xtra has a similar unique and famously hard-to-describe taste to the original, often likened to a mix of bubblegum, fruit flavours, and a faint metallic tang. It is designed to have a bolder flavour than the standard sugar-free option.

Why was Irn Bru Xtra introduced?

Irn Bru Xtra was introduced in 2016 by manufacturer A.G. Barr to expand their low-calorie offerings and respond to growing consumer demand for zero-sugar soft drinks, particularly in light of the impending UK sugar tax.